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Published on: May 1, 2021
Covid-19 and acute conjunctivitis: Controversial data from a tertiary refferral Italian center
Giuseppe D'Amico Ricci1, Claudia Del Turco1,2, Elena Belcastro1,2
1U.O. Oculistica 2, Turin Eye Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 27, 2021
Summary
This study investigated the link between COVID-19 and acute conjunctivitis. Results showed no statistically significant correlation, suggesting conjunctivitis is not a reliable indicator of COVID-19 infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute conjunctivitis has been recognized as a potential symptom of COVID-19.
- The actual prevalence and significance of conjunctivitis as an early indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and the occurrence of acute conjunctivitis.
- To determine if conjunctivitis is a significant early sign of SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of patients with acute conjunctivitis at a tertiary eye referral center.
- Data cross-referenced with the regional COVID-19 registry for SARS-CoV-2 testing (nasopharyngeal swabs).
- Analysis of nasopharyngeal swab positivity rates in patients with and without conjunctivitis.
Main Results:
- Among 11 COVID-19 patients, 7 (63.6%) presented with acute conjunctivitis.
- A non-statistically significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity was observed in patients with conjunctivitis (21.2%) compared to other eye conditions (7.3%).
- The odds ratio for positive SARS-CoV-2 swabs in conjunctivitis patients was 3.43 (p=0.06).
Conclusions:
- The study did not find a statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 and acute conjunctivitis.
- Conjunctivitis, while present in some COVID-19 cases, may not be a definitive or statistically significant early warning sign.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the ocular manifestations of COVID-19.
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